Let voters decide on $200M for open space: Opinion

A lack of action by the Assembly will put projects like Newark's new Riverfront Park at risk of becoming a thing of the past.

The new seven-acre Riverfront Park in Newark, pictured during construction in March, will host performances and events funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. Robert Sciarrino/The Star-Ledger

By Maureen Ogden

This summer, the New Jersey Senate twice voted on and approved legislation that would ask voters to support a sustainable source of funding for open space, water supply and flood plain protection, farmland and historic preservation efforts across the state.

Now it is the Assembly’s turn to act.

The legislation proposes a voter referendum to dedicate $200 million in sales tax revenues to renew and sustain funding for the Green Acres, Blue Acres, Farmland and Historic Preservation programs. Since all the funds from the last bond issue have been fully allocated, it will be the end of preservation in New Jersey unless the Legislature acts now.

Funding for preservation projects has long been a bipartisan issue in New Jersey, something voters and elected leaders from both sides of the aisle supported.

That’s because land, water and historic preservation efforts are a wise investment in our future. We are fortunate to live in a state where we have access to fresh, locally grown food, white sand beaches, vibrant forests and numerous waterways, parks, trails and historic sites. These resources enhance the quality of life in New Jersey and provide economic benefits by creating jobs and stimulating tourism.

Yet the need to establish long-term funding for preservation is greater than ever. Approximately 20 percent of our state, or 1 million acres, still remains unprotected and developable. Preserving open space, inland waterways and natural buffers along the coast can help prevent future flood and storm damage.

Although agriculture is New Jersey’s third-largest industry, with the state’s more than 10,000 farms generating at least $1 billion annually, an additional 350,000 acres of farmland must be preserved to maintain a viable agricultural industry.

A recent study by the Trust for Public Land found that every $1 invested in state land preservation returns $10 in economic value to the state through natural flood control and water filtration, which would otherwise have to be paid for by taxpayers.

Recently, Newark residents and elected officials celebrated the completion of Riverfront Park, which will give neighbors long-desired access to the Passaic River and a beautiful place to gather and play. State dollars, including $2.6 million from the Green Acres program, covered more than half of the park’s price tag and leveraged millions of additional public and private dollars.

A lack of action by the Assembly will put projects like this at risk of becoming a thing of the past. Further delay and uncertainty on this issue is sure to impact a number of ongoing preservation efforts throughout the state.

New Jersey’s legacy of preservation is due in large part to voters who have long been supportive of preservation programs, passing all 13 ballot measures put forth since 1961 in favor of funding for open space, farmland and historic preservation.

That support remains strong today. A recent survey of 600 likely voters commissioned by New Jersey Keep It Green found that 69 percent of voters support dedicating $200 million annually from state sales tax revenues to fund preservation programs, the same amount proposed in the bill currently being considered by the Assembly.

The legislation takes a fiscally responsible approach that doesn’t increase taxes or state debt. The $200 million dedication is the average the state has been investing in preservation since 1998 when voters approved the nationally recognized Garden State Preservation Trust.

If the Legislature votes in favor of the bill this year and next, the question will be placed on the November 2014 ballot, giving New Jersey voters the opportunity to support the funding.

Voters deserve the chance to have their say on this critical issue. It is my fervent hope that the Assembly acts this year to make that possible and give New Jersey voters the opportunity to vote “yes” to protect our land, water and history.

Maureen Ogden is a former assemblywoman and past chair of the Garden State Preservation Trust.